Advance Directives
O’Bleness social workers are available to provide information about advance directives and assist patients in completing these legal documents. Advance directives are documents that state your choices about medical treatment or name someone to make decisions about your medical treatment if you are unable to make these decisions or choices yourself.

Ohio law recognizes two types of advance directives. A living will is a document that tells your doctor or other healthcare providers whether or not you want life-sustaining treatments or procedures administered to you if you are in a terminal condition or a permanently unconscious state. A durable power of attorney for healthcare is a legal document that allows you to appoint another person to make medical decisions for you if you should become temporarily or permanently unable to make those decisions yourself.

For more information about advance directives, call the Social Services Department at extension 9337 or 9368, or ask your nurse to contact a social worker.

Medical Records
If you are over the age of 18, you may obtain a copy of your medical record by calling our Medical Records Department at (740) 592-9388. Identification must be provided when records are picked up. A parent’s or legal guardian’s signature is required to obtain medical records for any patient under the age of 18.

Meditation Room
Our Meditation Room is open to you and your visitors at all times for private reflection. Literature of major faiths is available in the room. The Meditation Room is also available for private conversations with physicians, patients and/or families. Ask any nurse or volunteer for the location of the Meditation Room.

Notary Public
A hospital employee who is a certified notary public is available to come to your room. Ask your nurse to make this arrangement for you.

Mail and Flowers
Mail and flowers are delivered to patient rooms on weekdays by hospital volunteers. Mail received after you leave the hospital will be forwarded to your home address. Volunteers will be happy to mail letters or read your mail to you. Call extension 6131 for assistance. Stamps are available for purchase in Weatherby’s Gift Shop near the main lobby.

Family and friends may send an e-card to an O'Bleness inpatient by choosing the e-card link at www.obleness.org. E-cards are printed and delivered Monday through Friday by volunteers.

Weatherby’s Gift Shop
Gifts, magazines, cards, stamps, flower arrangements and snack items may be purchased in Weatherby’s Gift Shop adjacent to the lobby. The Gift Shop, staffed by volunteers, is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays, and during some evening and weekend hours.

Transportation
Transportation for patients and visitors leaving the hospital is available through the Athens Transit System and local cab companies. Buses stop at the Visitor Entrance of the hospital when called in advance. A route schedule is available at the Visitor Entrance Information Desk. Volunteers at the desk will assist patients and visitors with calling a cab.

Newspapers
Newspapers may be purchased from machines at the Visitor Entrance, third-floor elevator and Emergency Department waiting area. You may request a volunteer to purchase a newspaper for you by calling extension 6131.

Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi)
Wireless Internet access, or Wi-Fi, is available to guests and families in most hospital waiting areas.